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Police in Atlanta have arrested a man in connection to the stabbing death of a 77-year-old woman at her Buckhead home, whose body was discovered by her son as he returned home for the holiday season.
Antonio Brown, 23, in now in custody and charged in the death of Eleanor “Ellen” J. Bowles, Mayor Andre Dickens announced at a press conference Monday evening, according to 11 Alive.
“Today, a resident spotted Mr. Brown and contacted the Atlanta Police Department, who were able to make an arrest,” Mayor Dickens said.
Brown was nabbed less than 24 hours after surveillance video footage was released.
He’s now being charged with murder, aggravated battery, hijacking a motor vehicle in the 1st degree, possession of a firearm or knife during the commission of a felony, and abuse, neglect or exploitation of a disabled or elderly person. Atlanta Police say the murder occurred at a home in Northwest Atlanta.
Bowles was identified by the Fulton County Medical Examiner and police, the outlet reports.
Meanwhile, homicide commander Lt. Dearlove revealed the motive appears to have occurred during a crime interrupted. The woman reportedly stumbled upon the suspect attempting to steal her Lexus SUV.
Dearlove went on to say that Bowles was stabbed several times. Her body was eventually discovered by her son, who was coming home for the holidays, according to the outlet.
Authorities believe the incident happened between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., and are still investigating how the suspect gained entry into the gated community where Bowles home and vehicle were located.
Investigators previously released CCTV photos of a person of interest who they wanted to identify prior to the arrest. Bowles’ car was found by police in DeKalb County on Saturn night, and added that it had been driven throughout the city beforehand.
“She was a kind, precious, funny, loving mother, grandmother, and friend — and so much more,” organizers of an online fundraiser said.
The fundraiser went on to say they are raising money for the Atlanta Humane Society and the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – two organizations Bowles cared deeply about.
The GoFundMe has already raised $31,183 out of a $50,000 goal as of Tuesday.
Bowles son, Michael, who was the one to find his mother’s slain body, says he is dedicated to spreading his mom’s memory and fate, and hopes people that read about her death will begin to think differently when it comes to violent and senseless crimes.
